LANCASTER, S.C. — Lancaster's mayor, who was elected to office after his predecessor's death two years ago, has died of lung cancer.
Lancaster City Administrator Flip Hutfles said Mayor John Howard died Tuesday at a hospital in Charlotte.
Hutfles said the 67-year-old Howard was elected mayor in February 2016 after the death of former Mayor Joe Shaw while he was in office. Howard had served on the Lancaster City Council for 33 years before he was elected mayor.
Howard is survived by his wife, Karon, two children and five grandchildren.
A special election for mayor will be held July 10.
Funeral arrangements have not been announced.
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